How to Be an Extremely Reform Jew

How to Be an Extremely Reform Jew

Author: David M. Bader

Publisher: Extremely Limited

Published: 2014-11-06

Total Pages: 99

ISBN-13: 1495369161

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Extremely Reform Judaism is one of the world's fastest growing denominations and also its most misunderstood-ever since the ancient forefathers first lifted their eyes to God to ask, "Why can't we have a Christmas Tree?" How to Be an Extremely Reform Jew pokes irreverent yet good-natured fun its subject, with chapters on the mandatory and optional Extremely Reform Jewish holidays; maintaining the Extremely Reform Jewish home; diaspora travel tips; Extremely Reform rites of passage (circumcision, bar mitzvah, intermarriage); and how to deprogram your Extremely Reform child after he has joined a religious cult. Highlights include "The Ten Suggestions"; a "Feast and Fast Yo-Yo Diet Guide to Jewish Holidays"; and "Glengarry Glen Purim, a David Mamet Purim Play." This humorous illustrated guide contains numerous quotations from ancient Extremely Reform Jewish texts, such as, "He who gives a coin to the poor is rewarded with six blessings, but he who makes a pledge to charity receives a free tote bag," and, "Thou shalt not stand outside the synagogue on the High Holy Days scalping thy tickets to the services." First published by Avon Books in 1994, the new edition preserves the content of the original in fresh paperback and ebook formats. It's an ideal gift for Hanukkah or any occasion.


Zen Judaism

Zen Judaism

Author: David M. Bader

Publisher: Harmony

Published: 2007-12-18

Total Pages: 112

ISBN-13: 0307422755

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Few spiritual practices are more intriguing or elusive than those of Zen Judaism,” says David M. Bader in the foreword to Zen Judaism. “This growing movement offers a unique way to follow in the footsteps of the Buddha, ideally without gaining quite so much weight.” These nearly 100 sacred teachings are capable “of bringing about an enlightenment experience so pure, so elevating, and so intense, you could plotz.” For you, some samples: To know the Buddha is the highest attainment. Second highest is to go to the same doctor as the Buddha. Be here now. Be someplace else later. Is that so complicated? There is no escaping Karma. In a previous life, you never called, you never wrote, you never visited. And whose fault was that? If there is no self, whose arthritis is this? Be patient and achieve all things. Be impatient and achieve all things faster.


The Book of Murray

The Book of Murray

Author: David M. Bader

Publisher: Crown Archetype

Published: 2010-08-24

Total Pages: 177

ISBN-13: 030745326X

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For years scholars have puzzled over the contrasts between modern Judaism and the world of the ancient Israelites. Leviticus explains keeping kosher, but where is the scriptural basis for pocketing a dinner roll from a buffet "for later"? Finally, in The Book of Murray, we have answers. Here is the source for such timeless teachings as "Love the stranger, but not on the first date" and "Trust not a cardiologist who chain-smokes." This remarkable biblical text, recently unearthed from a golf course in South Florida, is the surprising, hilarious, and uplifting chronicle of the Old Testament’s most unlikely prophet—Murray, son of Irving of the Tribe of Levi (Relaxed Fit). Though a poor student and a disappointment to his parents, Murray hears God’s call. Soon he is wandering the land, spreading his unique brand of wisdom, whether from a mountaintop or at a themed bar mitzvah. He reminds followers of the Ten (or so) Commandments. He boldly predicts the future of the Israelites: "Thy people will produce philosophers and scientists and novelists and Nobel Prize winners. Yet still thou wilt be unable to find the hood release on thy car." He judges a dispute between two women fighting over a cherished black-and-white cookie—all leading to the spectacular finale. Filled with divinely inspired yet practical advice ("Thou shalt not freelance"), The Book of Murray is an affectionate and mirthful romp for readers of all faiths. Study its truths, learn the prophet’s stories, and, in the immortal words of Murray (handed down by his dyslexic scribe), "Go froth and multiply."


A Life of Meaning

A Life of Meaning

Author: Rabbi Dana Evan Kaplan, PhD

Publisher: CCAR Press

Published: 2017-11-28

Total Pages: 502

ISBN-13: 0881233145

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Reform Judaism is constantly evolving as we continue to seek a faith that is in harmony with our beliefs and experiences. This volume offers readers a thought-provoking collection of essays by rabbis, cantors, and other scholars who differ, sometimes passionately, over religious practice, experience, and belief. Its goal is to situate Judaism in a contemporary context, and it is uniquely suited for community discussion as well as study groups.


The New Reform Judaism

The New Reform Judaism

Author: Dana Evan Kaplan

Publisher: U of Nebraska Press

Published: 2020-04-01

Total Pages: 470

ISBN-13: 0827614314

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This is the book that American Jews and particularly American Reform Jews have been waiting for: a clear and informed call for further reform in the Reform movement. In light of profound demographic, social, and technological developments, it has become increasingly clear that the Reform movement will need to make major changes to meet the needs of a quickly evolving American Jewish population. Younger Americans in particular differ from previous generations in how they relate to organized religion, often preferring to network through virtual groups or gather in informal settings of their own choosing. Dana Evan Kaplan, an American Reform Jew and pulpit rabbi, argues that rather than focusing on the importance of loyalty to community, Reform Judaism must determine how to engage the individual in a search for existential meaning. It should move us toward a critical scholarly understanding of the Hebrew Bible, that we may emerge with the perspectives required by a postmodern world. Such a Reform Judaism can at once help us understand how the ancient world molded our most cherished religious traditions and guide us in addressing the increasingly complex social problems of our day.


Basic Judaism

Basic Judaism

Author: Milton Steinberg

Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt

Published: 1947

Total Pages: 196

ISBN-13: 9780156106986

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The classic, essential guide to the beliefs, ideals and practices that form the historic Jewish faith.


Creating American Reform Judaism

Creating American Reform Judaism

Author: Sefton D. Temkin

Publisher:

Published: 1998

Total Pages: 356

ISBN-13:

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Sefton Temkin has provided us with a much-needed critical and balanced portrayal of Wise ...The best scholarly work on Wise to date. It presents an admiring yet critical picture of Wise's achievements and personality ...a welcome contribution to our understanding of the man and his times.' George L. Berlin, AJS Review 'Thorough and extremely competent ...Temkin contributes a great deal through his careful use of materials ...The book will be of interest to general readers ...who wish not only to understand Isaac Mayer Wise but, moreover, to comprehend the attitudes and events that led to the formation of a truly American form of Judaism.' A. J. Avery-Peck, Choice 'An important book which illumines a formative era of American Jewry and of the United States itself ...scholarly and readable.' William Frankel, Jewish Chronicle American Reform Judaism's major institutions-Hebrew Union College, the Central Conference of American Rabbis, and the Reform prayer book Minhag America-were all due to the singular efforts of Isaac Mayer Wise (1819-1900). Sefton Temkin's biography captures the vigour of Wise's personality and the politics and concerns of Jewish life and leadership in America at that time. It is a lively portrait of a rabbi who was a pivotal figure in the naturalization of Jews and Judaism in the New World.


One People, Two Worlds

One People, Two Worlds

Author: Ammiel Hirsch

Publisher: Schocken

Published: 2009-09-09

Total Pages: 336

ISBN-13: 0307489094

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After being introduced by a mutual friend in the winter of 2000, Reform Rabbi Ammiel Hirsch and Orthodox Rabbi Yosef Reinman embarked on an unprecedented eighteen-month e-mail correspondence on the fundamental principles of Jewish faith and practice. What resulted is this book: an honest, intelligent, no-holds-barred discussion of virtually every “hot button” issue on which Reform and Orthodox Jews differ, among them the existence of a Supreme Being, the origins and authenticity of the Bible and the Oral Law, the role of women, assimilation, the value of secular culture, and Israel. Sometimes they agree; more often than not they disagree—and quite sharply, too. But the important thing is that, as they keep talking to each other, they discover that they actually like each other, and, above all, they respect each other. Their journey from mutual suspicion to mutual regard is an extraordinary one; from it, both Jews and non-Jews of all backgrounds can learn a great deal about the practice of Judaism today and about the continuity of the Jewish people into the future.


Essential Judaism: Updated Edition

Essential Judaism: Updated Edition

Author: George Robinson

Publisher: Simon and Schuster

Published: 2016-04-12

Total Pages: 704

ISBN-13: 1501117750

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An award-winning journalist tells you everything you need to know about being Jewish in this user-friendly guide that explains not only what Jews do and believe, but why.


Haikus for Jews

Haikus for Jews

Author: David M. Bader

Publisher: Harmony

Published: 1999

Total Pages: 109

ISBN-13: 060960502X

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Offers an offbeat compendium of Jewish-Japanese poetry that covers such topics as ungrateful children, chopped liver, guilt, and plastic-covered sofas